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Kalled2Preach said:
I will readily acknowledge that God has predestined everyone to either go to heaven or hell, my only question is, how does debating this issue help with the spreading of the gospel? What about the big words? "Supralapsarian"? "Infralapsarian"? Is a new believer or even a "seeker" (that being someone who has heard the gospel and is actively looking for more answers and a better understanding and are seemingly on their way to "making a decision") going to understand any of this? Beyond that, wouldn't seeing words like that turn them away from the true gospel and rather lead them to follow some false or even a less true gospel simply because they won't feel obligated to be a theology scholar but, rather, a follower of Christ? And isn't being a follower of Christ what matters anyway?

Like I said, I believe in this doctrine, and I am not questioning it. But do we need the big, "ugly" theological words to talk about it? Why can't we explain the various sides of this debate (or any other theological debate for that matter) in terms the regular person can understand? I am sorry to stray from the topic a bit, but all the big words just seem frivolous.
Having shortcut ways to explaining doctrines is necessary to communicate. Can you imagine that every time Scripture desired to use the term "law" that it would have to explain the whole book of Deuteronomy "again", or .... ! Theological terms help us communicate more concisely and effectively.

Now as far as a person coming to Christ, I have never had one ask me concerning what happened in the "very beginning" concerning predestination. We don't teach babies to drive cars (though some would probably do a better job driving ..... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/chatter.gif" alt="" /> ) and in a similar vein we do not teach those coming to Christ every jot and every tittle of Scripture before they come to Christ. There is such a thing as growth in one's faith! However, if in the providence of God the topic arose I would explain it. The Holy Spirit knows what He is doing and is very effective in giving us and others the understanding of truth.

Your question "again" reveals that you have been influenced too much by McLaren and the emerging church--which constantly attacks the doctrine of the Church. Of course, they replace it with their own, for seemingly stating one has no doctrine is in and of itself a doctrine. However, McLaren and company do have doctrines: not believing in an eternal Hell, not believing in the inspiration of Scripture, et. al. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bash.gif" alt="" /> The emerging Church today tries to impress individuals with this rationalism:

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I am a pilot, but I have never studied flying for they use big terms like, "Accelerometer," "Aerostat," and "Landing." Let's take off together shall we?

I am a heart surgeon, but I have never studied medicine because the terms are to ugly. Let me operate on you?

I am a Christian, but I don't study doctrine for it has big ugly terms in it. Let me lead you today?
Understanding doctrine and doctrinal terms comes from studying it. A person not willing to study that which he is claiming to be true reveals much about that person.

Listen to scripture:

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Proverbs 4:2 For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

Ephesians 4:14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

1 Timothy 1:3 As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed

1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

Titus 1:9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:

Titus 2:7 in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,

Reformed and Always Reforming,